By Adam Studzinski
SPRINGFIELD – Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle offered thoughts on Gov. Bruce Rauner’s State of the State address.
Illinois House Democratic Leader Lou Lang (D-Skokie) said Rauner’s plans would hurt middle-class families.
“The State of Illinois is not Bruce Rauner’s corporate board room and these are human beings we are talking about,” said Lang. “Not simply numbers on a ledger.”
Lang agreed with Rauner on the need to improve Illinois’ business climate, but not through cutting wages and worker protections.
“Democrats know we can grow our economy and create jobs without hurting middle class families,” said Lang. “We can lift up the middle class and provide good jobs for working families, while passing policies that help business grow and expand our economy.
“We ask the governor to join us.”
State Sen. Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington) said the governor did a good job outlining the accomplishments of his first two years, but knows everything is overshadowed by the budget stalemate.
“I look at the speech in the context of this: We know that there is some momentum on a package of legislation in the Senate,” said Barickman. “We’re not there yet. It’s not final. People are casting judgment on whether they like or dislike parts.”
Barickman added the education reform task force has made significant progress over the last several months.
“Those final yards are sometimes the toughest. Some of the toughest decisions are right ahead of us,” Barickman said.
Barickman said lawmakers need to continue to “roll up our sleeves.”
Adam Studzinski can be reached at [email protected].
